Page 150 of Till The Sun Dies (Checkmate 2)

Her voice shakes. “Wouldyoukiss me?” When I stare in silence – because my heart screamsyes fucking please!But my brain throws up all the stop signs and declares it’s a trick – she rushes on. “It doesn’t have to be weird. It doesn’t have to ruin our vacation or make things awkward between us. It’s just a symbolic thing, a way to flushhimaway. You could help me do that, and because you’re such a good man, I can’t think of anyone better…”

Jesus. Fuck. Fuck. Kill me now.“Laine…”

Her eyes sparkle with emotion. “Please?”

“Will you regret it tomorrow?” I slide my hand along her ribs. “I’ll do anything for you, but I won’t risk you.”

“I won’t regret it.” Closing the gap between us, staring directly into my eyes, she gives me no choice.

She presses trembling lips against mine and sets my body on fire. Too many years of wanting. Too many nights of wishing. Now she’s in my lap and asking to erase her past and replace it with me.

Friends. Only friends!

And yet, I meet her lips with my own and show her how a true gentleman is supposed to kiss a woman. I show her tenderness. I show her what it feels like to be treasured, to be valued. And I do it all in the single minute she gives us, so when she sighs into my mouth, my heart gives its final knocks and declares everything over.

I’m so fucking in love with myfriend,it hurts.

Pulling back with a shy smile, her cheeks flame, making her that much more beautiful. “Thanks.”

“Um…” I can still taste her on my tongue. On my lips. In my fucking soul. “You’re welcome. I hope I helped.”

Giggling, she buries her face against my chest and nods. “You did.”

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